February Music: Gunn and Don Felder

Feb. 4: Gunn at the Bluescan
Feb. 6: Don Felder with John Lefevbre at Jack Singer Concert Hall

On Friday I had the pleasure of visiting some old friends who were playing at The Bluescan and Sunday I joined another old friend and together we saw Don Felder at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Both venues are located in Calgary, Alberta.

At the Bluescan, it was Gunn, a five-piece contemporary blues band comprised of some of the finest musicians in Calgary. The band plays a combination of original tunes and interesting arrangements of cover songs. Sort of a Steely Dan, Little Feat, Stevie Ray Vaughn mix replete with beaucoup guitar solos provided by Greg Gunhold and killer B-3 organ by the master, Brock Gillis. Aside from the band's only singer being mixed too low thereby rendering the vocals at times non-existent during the first set, the vocal problem was rectified and the band rocked. A well-rehearsed group, which is something virtually unheard of these days especially when local groups are concerned, they came across as tight and polished. Good songs too.

At the Jack Singer, former Eagles' guitarist Don Felder proved he was the guy that helped write "Hotel California," by opening with the song and setting the stage for what was to come. In essence, an Eagles greatest hits concert without Don Henley and Glenn Frey, Felder played all of the hits he helped write plus some that he didn't. "Tequila Sunrise," "Peaceful Easy Feeling," "Life In the Fast Lane," "Witchy Woman," "One of These Nights," and a whole lot more, including a cover of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride and Joy" that featured Felder's daughter on vocals, gave the crowd more than they bargained for.

An interminably long opening set was provided by Calgarian John Lefevbre. Despite having Bill Payne from Little Feat playing organ and piano, plus Bonnie Raitt's rhythm section, Tom Waits' keyboard player, and one of the hottest session guitarists, Lefebvre proved conclusively that good players do not a good song make. His songs are redundant, boring, self-indulgent, and generally not that good. Plus, his amateurism and lack of experience showed through enough that the audience began to leave after thirty minutes of musical bombast and bad jokes. Better luck next time John.

Still it was an enjoyable weekend. Live music always makes things better. It was refreshing to see a local band that is musically entertaining and technically competent. Gunn is worth checking out. And it was an enjoyable night at the Jack Singer where despite a weak opening act, Don Felder showed what a master guitarist he really is.

Support your local musicians.

Cross-posted at: http://pages.videojug.com/pages/18431-Feb-Music-Gunn-and-Don-Felder